Should I cover my cockatiel's cage at night?

Question

I rescued my cockatiel, Pixie, from a neglectful, smoke-filled home so I'm trying to provide the best environment for him possible. I've read that birds' cages should be covered at night so they can sleep undisturbed, but I also read that cockatiels can suffer "night frights" and that the best way to avoid this is by using a night light near where the bird sleeps. So should the cage not be covered so the bird can see with the aid of the nightlight? Or will enough light come through the cage cover? If so, what is the best material for a cage cover to allow some light in? Pixie and I thank you in advance for your help! :-)

Should have been a little clearer in my question! I do keep the cage covered on three sides and the top whenever he's in it to keep him from drafts, so I'm mostly asking if I should cover the front at night too.

Answer 1

You can cover Pixie's cage at night, but it is not necessary. If she objects to being completely covered, you can leave one side uncovered like you're already doing. I have 2 cockatiels, 3 parakeets, & one blue & gold macaw. Some of them prefer a covered cage, some of them prefer an uncovered cage. It's up to you & Pixie. Night frights are real. If she's not suffering from them now, she'll likely be ok. Blessings on you for rescuing her. She is indeed a lucky girl!

Answer 2

Cockatiels seem to be one of the only birds that suffer from night frights. They are very real and can cause serious injury to a flailing and terrified bird.

Birds need an average of 10-12 hours of undisturbed darkness a day. This allows them rest and relaxation, as well as helping to keep hormonal birds from nesting/laying.

There are pros and cons to covering a bird's cage.

Pros: They get darkness and undisturbed sleep as well as protection from any drafts or change sin temperature. They may feel protected and secure and it keeps them quiet most of the time.

Cons: Cockatiels can suffer from night frights. If they wake up suddenly and can't see, they flail about and panic, potentially causing great harm to themselves. Also, if the cage is not cleaned properly and waste is allowed to build up, covering the cage can lead to chronic respiritory problems from inhaling the waste.

Try covering part of the cage, maybe 3 sides and the top, and putting the nightlight near the uncovered part of the cage. This will give them the security to rest well and the light in case they wake suddenly. If covering the cage doesn't work, you can always leave it uncovered and just make sure the bird gets lots of darkness and undisturbed sleep.

Answer 3

Cockatiel Cage

Answer 4

I've never owned a cockatiel, but I have had a parakeet. I would suggest covering her cage with a square of an old white sheet. This way, the light comes in but she can't really see out. However, unless you are actually having problems with her being noisy, playing with toys, trying to wake you, or flying around her cage at night, then it sounds like you have everything under control. Try for a week with the sheet and see if it makes a difference. If you don't see any change for the better or worse, then just go with what you prefer. You're the owner of the bird, and you should be able to tell what is best for her. I hope this helps you and I hope Pixie appreciates it!

Answer 5

In general birds do need 10-12 hours of good sleep. They can get by on less, and will sometimes nap during the day to catch up on sleep, but its a good idea to try to let them sleep more so they stay healthy. So even if your bird seems to be doing fine, I would still recommend covering the cage. Its generally a good idea to put a cover over the cage, for a few reasons, especially with cockatiels. First, a cover will protect them from drafts, so they will be more comfortable. Second, he/she will sleep later in the morning because it will be darker - even though you say he/she is quiet, if there is no cover the bird will be awake in the morning before you get up, so covering the cage will allow your bird to get more sleep. Third, cockatiels are prone to "night frights" - often they are caused by the bird seeing shadows etc., and they get scared and flap around and can seriously injure themselves. Covering the cage will stop the bird from seeing shadows so they will have less night frights.

Answer 6

I feel you should cover the cage at night as most bird need 12 hours to sleep or darkness to keep them healthy. Some people do not cover the cage, I just feel it is best for their health. You want to keep him healthy. Priscilla P.S. I cover my birds almost ever night, sometimes I forget, but not often. If you have a old quilt this will work amd just cover 3 sides of the cage this was the bird can have light, I don't agree with the light, but if you think it is best you can use it.

Answer 7

Use the night light and cover Pixie's cage on 3 sides and the top so she has an opening to see the light...yet the secure feeling of being "tucked in" for the night. Also...make sure her cage is not in a drafty area. Bless you from rescuing her...she's a lucky bird

Answer 8

That's funny, I never heard of "night frights". I have a cockatiel and if you want her to be quiet, so you can get some sleep, cover her cage with anything you have on hand, an old blanket or sheet works well. And good for you, for giving Pixie a good home. I hope you have many happy years together.

Answer 9

For sure you should cover the whole cage at night. Quite simply because it keep the cold air from him as well as gives him and sense of protection. Remeber in the wild various animals hunt at night. Your cockatiel needs some reasurrance that he's safe.

Answer 10

I believe you should continue to cover your bird's cage to keep drafts off her & to allow her more natural hours of day & night. Your cloth cover should allow enough light in from its night light. Watch for (or rather listen) for sudden noises, too. this might startle you new friend when alone/asleep. And after wolman's answer what more can be said